Environmental Activists Taher Ghadirian and Sepideh Kashani Granted Release

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News, Prisoners
Abdolreza Koohpayeh, Amir-Hossein Khaleghi, Morad Tahbaz, Niloufar Bayani, Sam Rajabi, Sepideh Kashani, Taher Ghadirian

On April 9, 2024, environmental activists Taher Ghadirian and Sepideh Kashani were released from Evin Prison, marking the end of over six years of incarceration following a pardon granted ahead of the upcoming holiday.

Yesterday, two other environmental activists, Niloufar Bayani and Hooman Jokar, were also released from the same prison.

In January 2018, Kashani and Ghadirian, along with several other environmental activists, were arrested and detained in Evin Prison. Subsequently, Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Salavati, sentenced them to lengthy imprisonments:

  • Niloufar Bayani and Morad Tahbaz were handed 10-year sentences for “collaboration with the hostile U.S. government.”
  • Taher Ghadirian and Hooman Jokar received eight-year sentences for the same charge.
  • Sam Rajabi and Sepideh Kashani were sentenced to six years for the same charge.
  • Amir-Hossein Khaleghi received a six-year sentence for “espionage.”
  • Abdolreza Koohpayeh was sentenced to four years for “assembly and collusion against national security.”

On February 18, 2020, Gholamhossein Esmaeili, the then spokesperson of Iran’s Judiciary, announced the finalized verdicts against these eight environmental activists at the Appellate Court.

HRANA reported that during interrogations, several of these prisoners, including a female, were subjected to mistreatment and sexual assault to extract confessions.

Environmental Activists Niloufar Bayani and Hooman Jokar Released After Six-Year Imprisonment

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News, Prisoners
Abdolreza Koohpayeh, Amir-Hossein Khaleghi, Environmental activists, Evin Prison, Gholamhossein Esmaeili, Hooman Jokar, Morad Tahbaz, Niloufar Bayani, Sam Rajabi, Sepideh Kashani, Taher Ghadirian

Environmental activists Niloufar Bayani and Hooman Jokar were granted a pardon and released from Evin Prison on April 8, 2024, marking the end of more than six years of incarceration.

In January 2018, along with several other environmental activists, Bayani and Jokar were detained and held in Evin Prison. Subsequently, Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Salavati, sentenced them to lengthy imprisonments. The sentences were as follows:

  • Niloufar Bayani and Morad Tahbaz received 10 years for “collaboration with the hostile U.S. government.”
  • Taher Ghadirian and Hooman Jokar received eight years for the same charge.
  • Sam Rajabi and Sepideh Kashani received six years for the same charge.
  • Amir-Hossein Khaleghi was sentenced to six years for “espionage.”
  • Abdolreza Koohpayeh received four years for “assembly and collusion against national security.”

On February 18, 2020, Gholamhossein Esmaeili, the then spokesperson of Iran’s Judiciary, reported the finalized verdicts against these eight environmental activists at the Appellate Court.

HRANA had reported that during interrogation, several of these prisoners, including a female, were subjected to mistreatment and sexual assault to extract confessions.

Execution of Inmate at Khorramabad Prison

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Executions, News
Hassan-Ali Mirzania, Khorramabad, Khorramabad Prison

On April 5, 2024, Khorramabad Prison carried out the execution of an inmate found guilty of murder, as reported by the Iran Human Rights Organization.

The inmate, identified as Hassan-Ali Mirzania, aged 30, was convicted four years ago for the fatal shooting of two brothers with a hunting gun.

At present, there is no coverage of the execution from official sources or domestic media outlets within Iran. This absence of information raises significant questions regarding the transparency and accountability of the execution process.

In 2023, the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists in Iran registered the execution of 767 individuals. Out of these, 7 were carried out in public. Among the executed individuals whose genders were identified, 21 were female. Additionally, 2 juvenile offenders, defined as individuals under the age of 18 at the time of their alleged crimes, were also executed. For a comprehensive examination of the details and statistics surrounding the executions in Iran, refer to HRANA’s annual report.

University Student Fahimeh Soltani Summoned and Arrested by Ministry of Intelligence

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News
Fahimeh Soltani, Fahimeh Sultani, Isfahan, University of Isfahan, فهیمه سلطانی

Fahimeh Soltani, a law student at the University of Isfahan, was summoned by IRGC’s Intelligence in Isfahan on April 6, 2024, and subsequently detained at an undisclosed location.

Confirming Soltani’s arrest, a source close to her family informed HRANA that “she was summoned by university officials via phone. Since the request was made outside of office hours, she did not go there. Subsequently, the IRGC’s Intelligence in Isfahan summoned and arrested her upon her appearance.”

The reason for Soltani’s arrest remains unknown at this time. This is not her first arrest. Also, in May 2023, the University’s Disciplinary Committee suspended her for two semesters due to activism.

 

Political Prisoner Amir-Nasr Azadani Enters Fourth Day of Hunger Strike

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News
Amir Nasr Azadani, Dastgerd Prison, HRANA, Hunger Strike, Isfahan, Khaneh e Isfahan, Majid Kazemi, Saeed Yaghoubi, Saleh Mir Hashemi, امیر نصر آزادانی

Amir-Nasr Azadani, a former soccer player and political prisoner currently incarcerated in Dastgerd Prison, Isfahan, has embarked on a hunger strike for the fourth consecutive day while held in solitary confinement.

On April 4, 2024, Azadani was placed in solitary confinement as a punitive measure following the publication of a voice message from within the prison.

A source close to Azadani’s family disclosed to HRANA his decision to commence a hunger strike in protest against his solitary confinement.

In January 2023, the Revolutionary Court of Isfahan initially sentenced Azadani to five years for “membership in illegal groups to act against national security,” another five years for “assembly and collusion against national security,” and sixteen years for “enmity against God (Moharebeh).” Upon appeal to the Supreme Court, he was acquitted of the first two charges, leaving the prison term for the third charge intact.

During nationwide protests on November 17, 2022, security forces arrested Azadani in connection to the “Khaneh e Isfahan” case. Notably, three co-defendants in the same case, Saleh Mir Hashemi (36), Majid Kazemi (30), and Saeed Yaghoubi (37), were executed on May 19, 2023, on charges of enmity against God (Moharebeh).

 

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Azerbaijani-Turk Activist Esmaeil Ahmadi Faces Imprisonment and Flogging Upheld by Appellate Court

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Ethnic Minorities, News
Ahar Prison, Azerbaijani Turk activist, East Azerbaijan province, Esmaeil Ahmadi, Varzeqan, اسماعیل احمدی

Branch 32 of the Appellate Court in East Azerbaijan province has confirmed that Ahmadi will serve nine months in prison and receive 70 lashes for charges including blasphemy, incitement to commit crimes against national security, association with anti-regime media outside Iran, dissemination of false information, and propaganda against the regime.

Ahmadi was arrested by security forces in Varzeqan in August 2023 and detained until August 24, when he was released on bail pending further legal proceedings from Ahar Prison.

The initial verdict was issued during the previous winter.

It’s worth noting that this is not the first time Ahmadi has faced legal repercussions for his activism.

Alireza Ghanbari and Javad Mohammadi-Fard Begin Prison Sentences on Political Charges

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Alireza Ghanbari, HRANA, Javad Mohammadi-Fard, Urmia, Urmia prison

Alireza Ghanbari and Javad Mohammadi-Fard, both residents of Urmia, have been incarcerated in Urmia Prison to commence their sentences.

Confirming their imprisonment, a source close to their families informed HRANA that they were arrested on April 2 by security forces at their residences and subsequently transferred to Urmia Prison.

Their initial arrests occurred in June-July 2022 by security forces. Initially detained in the Ministry of Intelligence’s facility in Urmia, they were later moved to Urmia Prison after approximately six months.

In June-July 2023, the Urmia Revolutionary Court convicted them of political charges. Mohammadi-Fard was sentenced to four years for “heading a group for causing unrest and acting against national security,” along with 16 months for “insulting the Supreme Leaders of Iran and the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran.” Ghanbari received a four-year sentence for “joining anti-regime groups,” along with 16 months for “insulting the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran” and eight months for “propaganda against the regime,” including detention time. These verdicts were upheld on appeal.

Pursuant to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, which stipulates that in cases of multiple charges, the harshest punishment shall be enforced, both individuals will serve four years in prison.

Mohammadi-Fard, aged 44, is single, while Ghanbar, aged 50, is the father of two.

Dozen Detained for Alleged Ramadan Violations in Garmsar

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Cultural, News
Garmsar, Ramadan rules, Semnan Province

According to the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor of Garmsar, Semnan Province, twelve individuals were apprehended on April 1 for purportedly violating Ramadan regulations, as per Basij News Agency. Additionally, several others were reportedly arrested for public alcohol consumption.

“In an effort to address breaches of Ramadan regulations, twelve individuals were apprehended during inspections of parks and recreational areas, and legal proceedings have been initiated against them,” stated prosecutor Vahid Mohammadi.

“Furthermore, several individuals were detained for consuming alcohol in public, and multiple motorcycles and vehicles were seized,” he added.

The identities of the detainees and the location of their detention were not disclosed in the report.

It’s worth noting that while eating and drinking during Ramadan isn’t explicitly criminalized in Iranian laws, Article 638 of the Islamic Penal Code allows penalties for actions deemed Haram (forbidden) in Islamic jurisprudence, ranging from ten days to two months imprisonment or up to 74 lashes.

Hooram Mehrnavaie Taken Into Custody by Security Forces in Bukan

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Freedom of Expression, News, Other

On April 2, Hooram Mehrnavaie was apprehended by security forces following being summoned and his presence in the Ministry of Intelligence office in Bukan, as reported by Kurdpa. He was subsequently transported to an undisclosed location.

The specific grounds for Mehrnavaie’s detention, his current location, and the charges against him remain undisclosed.

This marks not the initial encounter with law enforcement for Mehrnavaie, aged 21. On December 2, 2022, he was arrested and later released on bail. Subsequently, the Revolutionary Court of Bukan sentenced him to 54 months in prison for “collaboration with anti-regime political parties.” On April 9, 2023, he was incarcerated in Bukan Prison and later granted release on probation, equipped with a monitoring ankle device.

Civil Rights Activist Sepideh Gholian Launches Hunger Strike in Evin Prison

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News, Prisoners
ahvaz, Ameneh-Sadat Zabihpour, Dezful, Evin Prison, Sepideh Gholian, Sepideh Qolian, سپیده قلیان

Sepideh Gholian (Qolian), a prominent civil rights activist detained in Evin Prison, commenced a hunger strike on April 3, 2024, demanding her transfer to Ahvaz Prison near her home.

A source close to her family confirmed Gholian’s hunger strike to HRANA.

Gholian’s troubles began on March 15, 2023, when security forces arrested her upon her return to Dezful shortly after her initial release. She was promptly sent back to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. Subsequently, she was transferred to the Women’s Ward of Evin Prison four days later.

In May 2023, the Tehran Revolutionary Court convicted Gholian of “insulting the Supreme Leader of Iran,” resulting in a two-year sentence that included a period of detention. Alongside her imprisonment, she faced various restrictions, including a prohibition on joining political or social groups, limitations on cell phone usage, and a two-year ban from entering Tehran and its neighboring provinces. This verdict was upheld on appeal.

Furthermore, a case was initiated following a complaint filed by Ameneh-Sadat Zabihpour, an Iran-state TV reporter with ties to security agencies as an interrogator. In this case, Gholian received an additional sentence of one year and three months for her alleged involvement in “removing hijab, facilitating indecency, and persisting in committing criminal acts.”

It’s important to note that Gholian has a history of prior arrests and convictions related to her activism.